I used Leki poles on both my
Camino Frances treks, in 2013, and May 2014. Last year (2013) I used a pair of Leki "Softlite" lightweight alloy poles with the traditional twist-torsion tighteners.
The Leki pole prevented me from being tossed off a steep drop just before Alton de Perdon by (there is now a cable "fence" there to prevent pilgrims from going over the edge). They literally saved my life when two fast-moving cyclists came down the hill side-by-side, sweeping the path of all pilgrims on the path. Although the pole was bent and "arched" like an archery bow, it did snap right back into the original straightness by itself.
Based on that experience, in May 2014, I used a pair of Leki "Makalu" walking poles, again with the traditional twist torsion tighteners. I prefer this sort of system to the newer-style cam-lock systems, as it is easier to fix in the field. Duck tape works wonders! The other difference is that the Makalu model has larger diameter tubes and is slightly heavier. The hand grips were slightly different too.
In 2014, I used the two poles far less than I did in 2013. For 2015, I am planning to try a single, carbon fiber pole I picked up on sale at REI here in the States. The single pole has a screw-off top to enable a camera to be mounted. It also has a hand-strap that I am retro-fitting to better support my hand. But, being carbon fiber, the pole is very light and stores down to 16 inches using four bungee cord-connected segments. We will see what happens.
Regardless, I always use rubber tips. Generally, I get one 500 mile Camino from one pair of tips. These are easily purchased along the way in any large town or city. Decathlon also carries tips that will fit Leki poles.
One more point, walking poles make effective, field-expedient clothes lines. If you can find an open-window frame, two chairs, two bunks, etc. to support each end, you can extend the poles to more than 1.2 meters to allow you to place wet items on each pole to dry. I use this technique all the time. Also, I carry two, long, heavy-duty rubber bands for each pole to help affix them or suspend them to solid "stuff" so the poles do not fall. It works like a charm.
I also justified packing two, large plastic clothes hangers (the sort with the rounded members), one each, in each of my rucksack side pockets. My Osprey Kestrel has two, zip, side pockets that run vertically. So, the hangers are stored with other small items I may need from time to time. This enables me to dry clothing quicker overnight. Yes, there is a slight weight penalty. But, for me it works.
I hope this helps someone.
